Bob Lutz refutes Letterman claims against Chevy VoltI will be the first to say, the Volt has been vindicated in a most wonderful way. A few weeks ago Tesla CEO Elon Musk brought the Model S on Late Night with David Letterman and Dave misrepresented the Chevy Volt, calling its 40 mile range “ridiculous.”

Last night after having issued a challenge to do so, Letterman invited Lutz on his show along with the Chevy Volt show car. The result, in my opinion, was wonderful.

First Letterman gave a five minute monologue explaining how he wants to see this country achieve energy independence (FIRST VIDEO BELOW). He admitted he bought and drives the Tesla Roadster. He described himself as not being particularly tech savvy, and went on to say that when he derided the Volt and laughed about it with Musk, he was actually “woefully ignorant.” He admitted that he didn’t realize the Volt has a range extender. He even said he hoped he could get a free Volt.

In the next segment Lutz and Letterman had a seven minute interview (SECOND VIDEO BELOW). It was clear that Letterman as a car buff has a great deal of respect for Lutz and it showed. He was kind, quiet, and polite and Lutz spoke most of the time.

Lutz talked about the EV-1 and why GM cancelled it, he talked about what hybrid technology is, and he explained how the Volt works.

Lutz again admitted it is his best estimate the Volt will cost “right around $40,000″ before incentives which would bring it to $32,500, and that it won’t be in showrooms en masse until 2011 although will be available in late 2010.

Dave asked for the first one. Lutz said there are 7 or 8 others who want it (I believe I am one of them).

The Volt was rolled out on stage and Dave seemed to like it, of course he did his obligatory electrocution bit.

Personally, I don’t think this could have turned out any better. Kudos to Letterman for admitting his mistake. Long live the Volt!

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